It’s exciting to be a part of a winning team even if it is only as a fan. In sports, we teach our children that “winning is not everything.” While such is undeniably true, we still recognize that success is a great feeling. But the “win at all cost” philosophy is deplorable in the realm of athletics. However, when victory is achieved through diligence and teamwork, winning can be a most satisfying experience.
Things are different in the spiritual contest faced by children of God. In our struggle against the spiritual forces of wickedness, winning is everything! The soul that would inherit everlasting life must do so at the expense of all that would distract him from his devotion to Christ. Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to “a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44). It is a win at all cost theology that requires a would-be disciple to “deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow [Jesus]” (Luke 9:23).
Spiritual victory is within reach of every obedient believer. John affirms that faith “is the victory that has overcome the world…” (1 Jn. 5:4). However, one who would win with Christ, must first lose his life in service to Him (Matthew 10:39). For one to win, he must lose.
— Glen Elliott —